Quote of the day!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Wednesday's Hero: Capt. Daniel Inouye

Capt. Daniel Inouye
88 years old from Honolulu, Hawaii
442nd Regimental Combat Team
June 28, 2010 – December 17, 2012

On December 17 Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii passed away. Before he was a Senator he served in the United States Army from 1941-1946. From '41-'43 he served as a medical volunteer. It wasn't until 1943 when the military dropped it's ban in Japanese serving that Inouye was able to enlist. Within the first year he was promoted to Sergent and later to second lieutenant.

In 1945, Lt. Inouye was seriously injured near San Terenzo, Italy. After being shot in the stomach he proceeded to destroy a machine gun nest. After being informed of his wounds, and refusing treatment, he lead a charge on a second machine gun nest. During an assault on a third nest Lt. Inouye was hit in the arm by a grenade which resulted in the loss of his right arm.

On June 21, 2000 President Clinton awarded Sen. Inouye the Medal Of Honor for his action in 1945:

Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Second Lieutenant Inouye skillfully directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapon and small arms fire, in a swift enveloping movement that resulted in the capture of an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force. Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, the enemy halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Second Lieutenant Inouye crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying the emplacement. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest. Although wounded by a sniper’s bullet, he continued to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm. Despite the intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions. In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and eight others captured. By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable leadership, Second Lieutenant Inouye enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and was instrumental in the capture of the ridge. Second Lieutenant Inouye’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.